Device to insert lamps without touching the envelope

abeck

Member
Hi everyone!

I am trying to find a handy little device that my shop had in college but I don’t know what it’s called and googling isn’t getting me where I need:

It was a small, hand-held (our was red) device that would allow you to insert the bulb end of a lamp into the device and more easily insert the lamp into the instrument socket, without touch the halogen bulb itself. It prevented accidental touches and reduced the frequency of wiping down lamps.

I’m working with high school students now and it would be incredibly useful to have. Does anyone know what it’s called / where I could purchase one?

Thank you!
 
Production Advantaged made them. They are called "lamp insertion tools". Production Advantage was bought by VLS. I do not see it currently on their site, but might be worth a call to them 1-800-424-9991. They are a great tool.

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Thank you thank you thank you!! That’s exactly it. And now I at least have the right keywords to keep searching, even if they don’t have them.
 
For what it's worth, there are old-timers out there who use to make similiar tools for FEL lamps out of a short section of pipe with fabric or foam insert. Certainly both versions have the ability to damage a lamp as much as they can make the process easier. Just throwing that out there in case you cannot find any to buy and felt like getting creative.

~Dave
 
We tried one and never really liked it. Seemed like a lot more lamps got broken in half when people used one to install them. And as far as wiping the lamps down goes, you should be doing that anyway. The 30 seconds it takes to do it with a 15 cent alcohol wipe is cheap insurance.
 
Production Advantaged made them. They are called "lamp insertion tools".
The nomer "Best Seat" comes to find. I think that may have been the product name, but maybe just a tag. ... Lookit that, there it is, in the wiki right where it's s'posed to be.

I found them particularly helpful getting a brand new socket and lamp base to mate; not so much needed after the first time. Some good discussion at the linki in the wiki.
 
We tried one and never really liked it. Seemed like a lot more lamps got broken in half when people used one to install them. And as far as wiping the lamps down goes, you should be doing that anyway. The 30 seconds it takes to do it with a 15 cent alcohol wipe is cheap insurance.
Yep. It's shocking how dirty your lamps are some times straight out of the box. A quick wipe down is a must for all occasions.

@dvsDave is this product gone forever?
 
Yep. It's shocking how dirty your lamps are some times straight out of the box. A quick wipe down is a must for all occasions.

@dvsDave is this product gone forever?
Unfortunately, this product has been discontinued. I looked into ordering more, but the original manufacturer is gone.

However, I personally own one and would be happy to measure interior dimensions if someone would like. (I just got a digital caliper, so excited to try it out)
 
Disposable gloves? Just a thought keeps fingers clear of touching the glass and can be used for lots of messy job applications (including first aid!).
 
The beauty of the HPL is that nice big heat sink to grab. While I did buy and try this tool, it seemed redundant.

Now it resides in my collection of historic technical theatre curiosities.
 
I’ll admit even to this day. The instructions that come with the lamp work as a great finger shield when starting the push and if it has a base ya just thumb it and wipe down the lamp no matter what. Flat based bi-pins still use the inserts and use fingers then wipe. Granted in my new job nothing is flat based anymore.
 
I’ll admit even to this day. The instructions that come with the lamp work as a great finger shield when starting the push and if it has a base ya just thumb it and wipe down the lamp no matter what. Flat based bi-pins still use the inserts and use fingers then wipe. Granted in my new job nothing is flat based anymore.
I also found the foam sheet that a lot of lamps used to come packed in worked quite well enough. I didn't need no fancy tool :p
 

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